NEWCASTLE FANS DEMAND PLAYER IS SOLD IMMEDIATELY AFTER HORRIBLE PERFORMANCE AGAINST MARSEILLE, THEY’RE DESTROYING HIM ONLINE

Newcastle United’s trip to the Orange Vélodrome was supposed to be a defining moment in their European campaign, a chance to reassert their authority after an inconsistent group-stage run. Instead, it unravelled into one of the most heated and chaotic nights of the season — and the fallout is now exploding across social media. Marseille’s 2–1 victory didn’t just dent Newcastle’s hopes; it has triggered a furious online revolt. Thousands of supporters are calling for one Newcastle player to be “sold immediately” after an error-ridden display that many fans are describing as the worst individual performance of the club’s European run.
Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle the perfect start. His sixth-minute finish — sharp, instinctive and composed — briefly silenced the famously hostile Marseille crowd and sparked hope among the away supporters who made the trip. But that early glimmer of control evaporated almost instantly after the break. In what will now be replayed endlessly by critics, Nick Pope’s reckless decision to charge out of his penalty area turned a routine defensive moment into an unmitigated disaster.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, still one of Europe’s most clinical forwards, punished him without hesitation. The Marseille striker lifted the ball past the stranded goalkeeper with ease, leveling the match and igniting the stadium. Just minutes later, the same combination struck again. A precise cross, a ruthless finish — 2–1 Marseille before Newcastle could regain their shape.
From that point onward, the atmosphere became suffocating. Newcastle, normally resilient even under pressure, looked rattled. Sloppy passing, nervous clearances and a lack of structure made the final half-hour feel like an endurance test rather than a competitive contest. By the time Eddie Howe turned to his bench in search of solutions, the momentum had shifted irreversibly.
As soon as the final whistle blew, the frustration that had been simmering all night erupted online. And one player — the same individual whose blunder opened the door for Marseille — found himself at the center of a digital storm.
Across X, Facebook and Reddit, the verdict was unanimous and savage. Supporters didn’t merely criticise the performance; they demanded consequences. The tone was unforgiving:
“Sell him in January. I’m done. That mistake cost everything.”
“He does this too often. We can’t rely on him in big games. Move him on.”
“If he starts again this weekend, I honestly don’t know what Howe is thinking.”
The criticisms weren’t limited to his error for the equaliser. Fans highlighted his distribution, his hesitancy when playing out from the back and his growing list of high-profile mistakes over recent months. Many argued that while Newcastle’s rise into Europe has elevated expectations, some players still haven’t adapted to the higher demands — and tonight was the breaking point.
Beyond the individual backlash, the match exposed deeper issues within the squad. Newcastle’s defensive line looked disorganised once Marseille increased their tempo. Midfielders struggled to retain the ball, gifting the French side long spells of domination. The team’s average performance rating — already inconsistent in away European fixtures this season — took another heavy blow. Travelling fans voiced concerns about mentality, focus and the team’s ability to manage pressure in difficult environments.
Marseille, meanwhile, were sharp, ruthless and physically dominant. Aubameyang rolled back the years with a masterclass in movement and finishing, while Mason Greenwood’s creativity between the lines constantly unsettled Newcastle’s defensive structure. The French side deserved the win — and that only amplified the sense of resignation among Newcastle supporters.
The reaction back home is now reaching a boiling point. For many fans, this wasn’t an unlucky night or a narrow defeat. It felt symptomatic of a broader regression, a sign that the squad requires urgent adjustments if the club is serious about competing on multiple fronts. And in their minds, replacing the player at the heart of tonight’s meltdown is the first step.
As the dust settles, the spotlight shifts to Eddie Howe. Will he stick with a player whose confidence appears to be deteriorating? Or will he make a decisive call to restore order and calm the intensifying backlash?
What’s certain is that the debate won’t fade quickly. Supporters are demanding action. Their patience snapped in Marseille, and the player under fire now finds himself fighting not just for his place — but possibly for his future at the club.